LMU and Pepperdine Announce PCH Challenge

The PCH Challenge will serve as an annual scorecard for the NCAA-sponsored athletic contests between the two schools.

PCH Cup

Oct. 7, 2009

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -

Separated by 19.1 miles of scenic coastline, longtime cross-town adversaries Loyola Marymount and Pepperdine have come together in an effort to boost their decades-long rivalry with the creation of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Challenge.

The series will serve as an annual scorecard for the NCAA-sponsored athletic contests between the Lions and Waves, and challenges each institution to rise above the other within the West Coast Conference.

LMU and Pepperdine will be represented by 12 of their intercollegiate athletic teams through both regular and postseason competitions over the course of the academic calendar.

One point will be awarded for both home and neutral-site wins, including conference championships; however, 1.5 points will be earned for road victories. LMU currently leads the challenge 1-0 as a result of its neutral site win in men's water polo at the UCSD Triton Invitational.

The remaining programs (men's and women's cross country, women's swimming and diving, men's golf) - in addition to men's and women's tennis - will battle for points that will be awarded on the basis of overall finish at their respective postseason championships.

The university with the highest point total accumulated throughout the year will be named PCH Challenge Champion and awarded the PCH Cup.

Both Universities are dedicated to creating a positive competitive atmosphere for student-athletes and fans alike, and agree that the addition of the PCH Challenge will increase tradition and school pride for both institutions.

"The proximity and competitive play between the Lions and Waves, not only in the WCC but across the board, has resulted in a storied rivalry between LMU and Pepperdine," LMU Athletics Director Bill Husak said, "and I am excited to begin a new chapter in that rivalry with the introduction of the PCH Challenge.This challenge will encourage and promote a positive atmosphere on both campuses, while ensuring the values of sportsmanship and what it means to be a Lion."